Janitor&#39;s Pouch

ABSTRACT

An architecture is presented that provides a pouch assembly that provides a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning. The pouch assembly comprises a pouch comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, opposing side panels, and an open top. The opposing side panels are secured to the corners and bottom of the front panel and back panel to create a triangular shape and to form a pouch with a semi-circular opening at the top. The pouch assembly further comprises a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and for positioning the open top proximate a user&#39;s waist. The waist belt can be extensions of the back panel or secured to the pouch via at least one belt loop which runs the entire width of the top of the pouch and is formed from the back panel being folded over.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/567,699 filed Dec. 7, 2011.

BACKGROUND

While performing various cleaning activities, it can be burdensome to take along garbage bins and trash bags, especially if working in an inconvenient location. Furthermore, when holding a trash bag, a user cannot keep his or her hands free to do other work, thus limiting productivity. Without a garbage bag, however, users may not have a place to dispose of the bits and pieces of trash and other items picked up while cleaning, leaving them with no other alternative but to store them in their pockets, which is both unsafe and unsanitary. Furthermore, small, sharp items may puncture or clog the hose of a vacuum cleaner leading to costly equipment repair or replacement. The small items may also pose a hazard to users if not disposed of properly and left lying around. A more efficient alterative is needed.

There is a need for a safe and convenient device for securing bits and pieces of trash and other items while cleaning. The present invention discloses a device that allows those performing janitorial services, or any other sort of cleaning, to pick up small items that might otherwise damage vacuum cleaners or simply get in the way of their current cleaning activity. This device prevents users from having to carry around large trash bags or garbage bins when performing other cleaning activities, yet still allows users to pick up and secure small items to be stored for future use or disposed of at a later time. Users will save time and money by securing hazardous material in a convenient location thereby eliminating risk to people and equipment. Anyone who regularly performs cleaning services will benefit from the convenience, efficiency and security this invention provides.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a pouch assembly that provides a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning. The pouch assembly comprises a pouch comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, opposing side panels, and an open top. The opposing side panels are secured to the corners and bottom of the front panel and back panel to create a generally triangular shape and to form a pouch with a generally semi-circular opening at the top. The pouch assembly further comprises a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and for positioning the open top proximate a user's waist. Typically, the waist belt can be formed as extensions of the back panel, allowing the pouch to be secured to a user's waist and able to rotate around a user's waist.

Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the waist belt of the pouch is secured to the pouch via at least one belt loop which runs the entire width of the top of the pouch and is formed from the back panel being folded over. Additionally, the belt loop can comprise stiffening materials to help retain the shape of the pouch and pouch opening.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pouch assembly in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of the pouch in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of the pouch in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pouch assembly secured to a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pouch assembly in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing the pouch assembly in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

The present invention discloses a device that allows those performing janitorial services, or any other sort of cleaning, to pick up small items that might otherwise damage vacuum cleaners or simply get in the way of their current cleaning activity. The device is comprised of a pouch and a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and for positioning the open top of the pouch proximate a user's waist. More specifically, the device is a disposable pouch that can be tied around the waist of a user to provide a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning. The device prevents users from having to carry around large trash bags or garbage bins when performing other cleaning activities. Users will save time and money by securing hazardous and non-hazardous materials in a convenient location thereby eliminating risk to people and equipment. Users who need to have their hands free while working will appreciate this convenient invention.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a pouch assembly 100 that provides a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning. The pouch assembly 100 comprises a pouch 102 comprising a front panel 104, a back panel 106 opposite the front panel 104, opposing side panels 108, and an open top 110. The opposing side panels 108 are secured to the corners and bottom of the front panel 104 and back panel 106, such that the side panels 108 create a generally triangular shape and also form pouch 102 with a semi-circular opening 110 at the top. The opposing side panels 108 are typically secured via gluing, heat staking, fusing, etc., or any other suitable securing method as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention to the back panel 106, just below the belt loop 116.

Typically, the front 104 and back 106 panels of the pouch 102 are rectangular shaped, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The pouch 102 would generally be constructed of plastic, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., though any other suitable material may be used to manufacture the pouch 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the pouch 102 would be disposable, however the pouch 102 could also be manufactured of a more resilient material such that the pouch 102 could be used more than once. The pouch 102 is approximately between 11.5 and 14.0 inches in length as measured from bottom 112 to top 110, with the front and back panels being of different lengths, approximately between 12.0 and 12.5 inches wide as measured from opposing side panels 108, and side panels 108 are approximately between 3.0 and 3.5 inches at the top, and approximately between 0 and 0.5 inches at the bottom, with 0.5 inches added on both sides for assembly purposes.

The pouch assembly 100 further comprises a waist belt 114 for connecting the pouch 102 to a user and for positioning the open top 110 proximate a user's waist. In one embodiment, the waist belt 114 can be integral to and formed as extensions or appendages of the back panel, allowing the pouch 102 to be secured to a user's waist and able to rotate around a user's waist. Specifically, each end of the back panel 106 can be extended out from the waist belt 114, such that the waist belt 114 extends approximately 24 inches from both ends of the top of the back panel 106 forming a belt-like structure which can be secured around a user's waist.

In another embodiment, the pouch 102 can be slidably secured to the waist belt 114 via at least one belt loop 116. However, any other suitable means for securing can be used, such as hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), snaps, ties, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Typically, the belt loop 116 runs the entire width of the top 110 of the pouch 102 and is formed from the back panel 106 being folded over approximately 1-1.5 inches, which provides for a waist belt 114 that extends approximately 60 inches from end to end, and can be adjusted by a user to a more convenient length if needed, and even threaded through a user's belt loop. However, the belt loop 116 can also be a plurality of smaller belt loops without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

The belt loop 116 can be an integral unit with the back panel 106 or can be manufactured as two separate pieces and secured together. The belt loop 116 would then be secured to the back panel 106 via gluing, heat staking, etc., or any other suitable securing method as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. Additionally, the belt loop 116 can comprise stiffening materials (not shown) to help retain the shape of the pouch 102 and to maintain the opening in an “open” position. The stiffening members can be cardboard, plastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.

Additionally, the waist belt 114 is then secured around a waist of a user via any suitable means as is known in the art, such as a buckle, hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro), snaps, male and female clasps, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The pouch is then secured to the user such that the open top 110 of the pouch 102 is positioned proximate a user's waist.

Furthermore, the pouch 102 can also be removed from the waist belt 114 for use detached from the user. Other mechanisms besides or in addition to a belt could be employed to wear the pouch 102. For example, hooks, snaps, suspenders, ties, etc. could be used to secure the pouch 102 to a user. In all such embodiments, the mechanisms are positioned relative to the pouch 102 to permit the open top 110 to be located approximately waist-high on the user.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of the pouch 102 and FIG. 2B illustrates a side perspective view of the pouch 102. As stated above, pouch 102 comprises a front panel 104, a back panel 106 opposite the front panel 104, opposing side panels 108, and an open top 110. The opposing side panels 108 are secured to the corners and bottom of the front panel 104 and back panel 106 to create a triangular shape and to form pouch 102 with a semi-circular opening 110 at the top. The pouch 102 thus provides a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the pouch assembly 100 in use. A user 302 would choose a disposable pouch 102 and corresponding waist belt 114 from a plurality of pouches 102 and waist belts 114. The user 302 would then thread the waist belt 114 through the belt loop 116 of the pouch 102. The pouch 102 is then secured to the user 302 via the waist belt 114 (See FIG. 3). For example, the waist belt 114 can be secured around a waist 300 of a user 302 via a buckle, or any other suitable means as is known in the art, such as hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®), snaps, etc., without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The pouch 102 is secured to the user 302 such that the open top 110 of the pouch 102 is positioned proximate a user's waist 300. This allows the open top 110 of the pouch 102 to be in easy reach of the user 302. Thus, allowing a user 302 to deposit small items 400 into the pouch 102 while cleaning or performing other activities (See FIG. 4). A user 302 would then perform their typical janitorial services, or other sort of cleaning while wearing the pouch assembly 100 (See FIG. 5). The pouch assembly 100 would provide a convenient place to secure various items picked up while cleaning, without requiring a user 302 to carry around large trash bags or garbage bins. Thus, a user 302 would pick up various small items 400 while sweeping and store them in the pouch 102 to be removed and put away later. After cleaning, a user 302 can remove the small items 400 from the pouch, or can dispose of the whole pouch 102 and its contents. Thus, users who need to have their hands free while working will appreciate the convenience of this invention.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pouch assembly, comprising: a pouch comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, opposing side panels, and an open top; and a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and to position the open top proximate a user's waist.
 2. The pouch assembly of claim 1, wherein the opposing side panels are secured to the front panel and the back panel to form a generally triangular shape.
 3. The pouch assembly of claim 2, wherein the opposing side panels are secured to the front panel and the back panel via glue.
 4. The pouch assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouch is disposable.
 5. The pouch assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouch is slidably mounted to the waist belt via at least one belt loop on the pouch.
 6. The pouch assembly of claim 5, wherein the belt loop is an integral part of the back panel.
 7. The pouch assembly of claim 5, wherein the belt loop comprises stiffening materials to retain the shape of the pouch.
 8. The pouch assembly of claim 1, wherein the waist belt is formed as extensions of the back panel.
 9. The pouch assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouch is manufactured of plastic.
 10. A waist worn pouch assembly, comprising: a pouch comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, opposing side panels, and an open top; and a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and to position the open top proximate a user's waist; and wherein the opposing side panels are secured to the front panel and the back panel to form a generally triangular shape.
 11. The pouch assembly of claim 10, wherein the pouch is slidably mounted to the waist belt via at least one belt loop on the pouch.
 12. The pouch assembly of claim 11, wherein the belt loop is an integral part of the back panel.
 13. The pouch assembly of claim 11, wherein the belt loop comprises stiffening materials to retain the shape of the pouch.
 14. The pouch assembly of claim 10, wherein the waist belt is formed as extensions of the back panel.
 15. The pouch assembly of claim 10, wherein the opposing side panels are secured to the front panel and the back panel via glue.
 16. The pouch assembly of claim 10, wherein the pouch is disposable.
 17. A waist worn pouch assembly, comprising: a pouch comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, opposing side panels, and an open top; wherein the opposing side panels are secured to the front panel and the back panel to form a generally triangular shape; and a waist belt for connecting the pouch to a user and to position the open top proximate a user's waist; wherein the pouch is slidably mounted to the waist belt via at least one belt loop on the pouch.
 18. The pouch assembly of claim 17, wherein the belt loop comprises stiffening materials to retain the shape of the pouch.
 19. The pouch assembly of claim 17, wherein the pouch is disposable.
 20. The pouch assembly of claim 17, wherein the pouch is manufactured of plastic. 